Roughly 2 million people in the United States struggle with an addiction to prescription pain pills, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Recognizing the early signs of addiction can help you avoid its destructive effects in your life.
Prescription pain medications offer an effective way to ease the pain caused by injuries or illnesses, but they can easily be abused. The rapidly growing number of people who become addicted to opioid medications in recent years has been widely considered an epidemic. Learning to identify the signs of drug addiction to pain pills is a crucial first step toward receiving treatment at a drug treatment center in Arkansas. The following information will help you take action and prevent the potentially fatal consequences of this condition.
Obsessive thoughts
Thinking about pain pills, such as how many you have left or when you can take them again, is considered an early sign of addiction. If you just started taking these pills and are still experiencing severe pain from an injury or illness, wondering when you can take them again is understandable. However, if you have been taking them for an extended period and still find that you fixate on them, this can mean that you are at risk for addiction.
Increased dosages
When taking prescription pain pills, following your doctor’s instructions is essential. If you find that you are taking larger doses than recommended or taking pain pills more often, these can be warning signs of addiction. Be aware of any changes you might have made to the dosages you take, as these can increase your risk of experiencing adverse and potentially fatal reactions to these medications.
Decreased energy
Taking prescription pain pills more often than recommended or taking larger doses can cause you to feel lethargic. This loss of energy can make it difficult for you to participate in your favorite activities and complete everyday tasks. If you struggle to stay physically active, especially if you usually follow workout routines or play sports, this can be a sign of an addiction to pain pills.
Lifestyle changes
People who become addicted to prescription pain pills often experience changes in their everyday lives and their emotions. These medications can cause you to have frequent mood swings or feel more anxious or angry than usual. You might also neglect your appearance and ignore personal hygiene, such as forgetting to shower or failing to wear clean clothes. Pain pill addiction can also lead to changes in sleep, causing you to sleep for longer periods of time. You might also become forgetful about your regular responsibilities, such as paying bills or cleaning your home. According to Narconon, more significant lifestyle changes can include:
- Purchasing drugs instead of buying everyday necessities
- Selling drugs to fund a pain pill addiction
- Committing illegal acts to steal or buy drugs
- Neglecting work or school
- Displaying secretive behavior to hide an addiction
- Requesting loans or selling possessions to afford a pain pill addiction
These lifestyle and mood changes can develop gradually as the addiction grows stronger, so it is important to be aware of them and seek help earlier rather than later. Fortunately, drug rehab centers can provide counseling that will help you recognize and correct these changes.
If you are struggling with a pain pill addiction and looking for a drug treatment center in Arkansas, contact ARcare to set up an appointment. Our compassionate, professional staff is committed to providing our state’s residents with the best possible medical care.